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www.noble-caledonia.co.uk The Douro is not the longest, grandest or most historic of Europe%u2019s rivers, but it certainly is one of the most untouched and beautiful. From its meagre beginnings in the hills north of Madrid it makes its way through Northern Portugal in a meandering flourish to the ocean and the endlessly fascinating city of Oporto. Our cruise aboard the MS Amalia Rodrigues offers the opportunity to sail this delightful river and experience some of the local flavour. Where vessels once laden with barrels of port drifted to Oporto, we will cruise along this lovely river, relaxing on board whilst admiring the beautiful passing scenery and stopping each day for fascinating excursions. Our navigation of the Douro will take us from Oporto on a wonderfully scenic path, past sleepy villages and a tranquil countryside of almond and citrus trees to just before the Spanish border. From here we will visit Spain%u2019s ancient seat of learning, Salamanca, with its grand buildings in rich copper hues and the country%u2019s most magnificent square, Plaza Mayor. Along the way we will visit the world renowned port wine region, restored palaces, places of pilgrimage and cultural centres. Small towns and settlements perched on the sloping hillsides of the region have retained an aura of Medieval simplicity, its many tiny communities, largely agricultural, clustering around historic churches, monasteries and castles.Day 1 London to Oporto, Portugal. Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the MS Amalia Rodrigues and embark. This evening meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner. Day 2 Oporto. This morning there will be a guided tour of Oporto, Portugal%u2019s second largest city and a World Heritage Site. This attractive city was originally a Celtic-Iberian settlement and became a prosperous Roman village thanks to its natural harbour. During our tour we will drive through its narrow streets to find 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and chapels, as well as the city%u2019s iconic 19th century iron bridge, built by the school of Gustav Eiffel. We continue along the coastal road of the Atlantic to the mouth of the Douro River to view this wealthy neighbourhood with its fashionable villas and manor houses. Our final visit will be to the city%u2019s cathedral, located on the top of Penaventosa Hill. Inside are beautiful THE ITINERARYSPAINPORTUGALLamegoReguaSalamancaOportoAlmeidaCoa ValleyPinhaoMateus Palaceexamples of golden carved altarpieces and paintings from the Nasoni period, whilst outside we will enjoy the amazing view over the river. The tour will conclude with a stroll and some free time to explore the riverfront promenade of Cais da Ribeira with its pastel buildings, restaurants and buzzing atmosphere. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board.Day 3 Regua. From our mooring at Regua we will visit the unique 18th century Mateus Manor House and its gardens. This fine looking palace is still owned by the Count of Vila Real and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. During our guided tour of the palace we will see the %u201crare books%u201d library as well as vestments and religious icons, and view the remarkable chestnut wood crafting on the ceilings and some beautiful paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Stroll around the